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VILLAGES IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses MIDDLETON, ELMER , YAPTON AND BARNHAM Delivered FREE to over 5,600 homes July / August 2022

Villages in Focus

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Executive Fleet including 7 Minibuses. 24 Hr Service Family run business based in Felpham village for over 16 years. No job too big or too small. Call now or send us an email

www.fivestar-taxis.co.uk bookings@fivestar-taxis.co.uk Felpham Bognor Middleton Elmer Yapton Barnham Chichester United Kingdom To contact VILLAGES IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

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dear All, There is a lovely arty feeling to this double July and August issue with boats bobbing on the sea, sunlit landscapes and rolling hills full of flowers setting the scene for holidays, and hopefully sunshine, ahead. Thank you to local artist Emily Ellen for this magazine’s glorious front cover. To see more of her work visit the bognor Coastal Art Trail (see pages 6-7) or visit www.emilyellenart.co.uk The last few months have not always been plain sailing. We are facing an uncertain financial future, but our community is strong as we saw with the Jubilee celebrations, so I think we are in a good place to help each other and weather the storm. Thank you to everyone who has written in or phoned this month to say how much you enjoy the magazine – your support really means a lot. Feedback, positive or negative, helps me ensure that you have a community magazine that you like and want to read. So please keep your comments, ideas and suggestions coming over the Summer and have a wonderful time. Copies of Villages in Focus are available to collect from barleys hardware store in the centre of Middleton village. best wishes, Kate office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

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IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses MIDDLETON, ELMER , YAPTON AND BARNHAM Delivered FREE to over 5,600 homes July / August 2022

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses FELPHAM Delivered FREE to over 6,000 homes July / August 2022

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IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses NORTH AND SOUTH BERSTED Delivered FREE to over 5,700 homes July / August 2022

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TrAIL OF ThE CENTUry

by KATE STEWArT

When Su Cloud was asked to set up the first bognor Coastal Art Trail by the bognor-based charity rox Music and Arts she was delighted. “I couldn’t resist the opportunity for bognor to have their own trail and be able to showcase the talented artists we have in our area. Our aim is to offer a chance to enjoy the hospitality of local artists, as they open their creative spaces. It’s an opportunity to see and talk about all kinds of art in the making and the tools and equipment they use. There may be demonstrations, a chance to have a go, details of courses and the chance to be able to purchase a unique work of art. I hope you enjoy the experience,” says Su Cloud, the now Chair of the bognor Coastal Art Trail. The trail runs over the first two weekends in July (July 2-3 and July 9-10). All the artists are opening their creative spaces, some are sharing if, they are not in the bognor area, so there will be 20 studios to visit, between 10.30am and 5pm. The choice is incredible. There is a great mixture of 1 art disciplines to see, ceramics, embroidery, illustration, glass, jewellery, painting and sculpture. “Creative activities are so beneficial for our mental wellbeing. We look forward to the support of this new and exciting event for bognor regis,” says Su Cloud. Collette batho is a jeweller and a painter from bognor. The ring (see picture 1) is etched silver inlaid with gold using Keum bo technique with a jade opal set in 18ct gold bezel. Collette says: “I am looking forward to the Art Trail because it is a moderate size trail with a very high standard of artists showing a great range of arts and crafts. I have participated in many art trails since 2003, taking my work to venues across the south from Chilgrove to brighton. The first was Felpham but that closed some years ago. This is the first that has truly represented the bognor regis area and I’m very impressed with the quality of the work. It is huge credit to Su Cloud who, yet again, has stepped up to start an arts initiative in our area.” To see more of Collette’s work visit www.collettebatho.com Pagham resident, Michael Tunmore, favours painting using only oils and he enjoys painting a variety of outdoor subjects from local fishermen on bognor beach to the open spaces of Pagham Nature reserve (see picture 2). Emily Ellen is an artist whose work is 2 largely led by the seasons, allowing the colours and mood seep into her paintings. A mixture of the highest quality acrylic paints, inks, glosses, and glazes are applied in a multitude of layers (see picture 3). Emily says: “I have been involved with bognor Art Trail for several years now and this year is looking to be particularly special now that we have a partnership with rox Music and Art. We have launched with a preview exhibition at POP! The artists will be opening their studio doors to the public soon and I always relish this time to share

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Villages in Focus my work, answer questions and speak about commissions with the wonderful community of people we have here in bognor and the surrounding areas.” Whether she is working on abstracts, portraits or still-life, Aldwick-based rachel baylis’s work is the result of the tension between formal boundaries and an expressive, liberated use of tone and texture (see picture 4). Jan Simpson has worked with glass for over 25 years as a stained glass artist. born and raised in New Zealand and hong Kong, and now living on the Sussex Coast, Jan takes inspiration from her surroundings and the influences that have special meaning in her life. Jan produces a combination of stained and fused glass work incorporating both traditional and contemporary techniques (see picture 5). To see this wealth of talent for yourself, try and find time over the next few weekends to visit bognorcoastalarttrail.com or Facebook for more info on artists, the trail, and in shop demonstrations and make a plan!

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local history by sylvia Endacott

RAINBOW’S END!

Hotham Park was first opened to the public in 1947. By the end of 1950 Pets Corner had been established and within five years over 1,106,000 had visited this newly established venture. The 5½-acre site contained a wide range of animals, ranging from pigs to ducks, Spanish sheep to Chinese bantams. Families of animals were also on display within their own detached houses and grounds. Families’ expectations change, but in the 1960s and 70s it was possible for children to freely roam through the park and Pets Corner in their pedal cars or on their bikes without any fears. By the 1980’s the advertising told the visitor of the magic kingdom that existed within the new Zootopia, where fact and fantasy met. The advertising claimed that it was much more than just another zoo. It was imaginatively landscaped, with streams, hills and a lake, concealing a wonderland of animated displays, which were then unique in Britain. Competitions in the local press were another feature, when visitors were asked to name some of the new animals, including a two-year-old tigress, grey seals, Bactrian camels and penguins. However the area was not without controversy. In the mid 1980’s two escaped bears had to be shot when it was believed that it was not possible to recapture them without harm to themselves or the public. People have repeatedly remarked to me that they can remember the enjoyment children of all ages experienced when visiting such a large number of different animals, contained within such a small area. No day out was ever complete without a visit to the pet’s hospital.

Arun & Chichester (Air) Enthusiasts Society AirACES

www.airaces.org.uk Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Wg Cdr Robert (Bob) Prothero MRAeS, MIMgt, RAF (Retd) – ex Victor Pilot

Monday 25th July – 1900 for 1930 hrs ‘Caterpillars, Guinea Pigs & Goldfish’ Presented by Sqn Ldr Art Stacey AFC Sqn Ldr Art Stacey, a former Shackleton & Nimrod pilot who in 1995 was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) for the successful ditching of his aircraft following an uncontrollable engine fire, will talk about history of the ‘Caterpillar’ and ‘Guinea Pig’ clubs and the Goldfish Club, and stories, including the events leading up to his own qualification for the membership. Monday 22nd August 2022 – 1900 for 1930 hrs ‘Wing Commander James Nicolson VC’ presented by – his nephew – Jim Nicolson The remarkable story of Wing Commander James Nicolson VC was the only Fighter Command pilot in the whole of WW2 to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). This was for action during the Battle of Britain. AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation. The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester. 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 01243 823007

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walking the bluebell line

by Simon Baker irons

A challenge of mine this year is to walk around the border of West Sussex following the Sussex Border Path, the 113-mile route runs from Emsworth in the West to Fishersgate in the East. The route is very diverse and passes through what I think is some of the most beautiful countryside. This month’s walk features one of my favourite sections which makes a great summer walk with the added bonus of a steam train ride. The 7-mile walk starts in East Grinstead and follows the Sussex Border Path to Weir Wood Reservoir and then on to Kingscote Station. The best way to do this walk is by parking up at Sheffield Park Station and catching the Bluebell Steam Railway to East Grinstead. The line was opened in 1882 and originally ran from Lewes to East Grinstead. The line closed in 1955. Today the railway is mainly run by volunteers and has the 2nd largest collection of steam locomotives in the UK. 1. On leaving East Grinstead station the walk proceeds through the town and along the High Street, which has one of the longest continuous runs of 14th Century buildings in England. Also in the street is Sackville College that was built in 1609 and is where John Mason Neale wrote the Christmas carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’. 2. Just past the college the route leaves the town via the Forest Way, an old, disused railway line that ran between Three Bridges and Tunbridge Wells. 3. After 1 mile the Sussex Border Path leaves the Forest Way and continues on a bridleway leading to Weir Wood Reservoir. As you gradually head downhill, glimpses of the reservoir can be seen. 4. The 379-acre reservoir is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is one of the largest bodies of open water in Sussex. It was created in 1954 by damming the River Medway to help supply an increasing demand for water. As well as fishing and sailing, it is also home to many wildfowl birds, including a large concentration of Great Crested Grebes. The path around the reservoir follows the wooded shoreline and then rises to Stone Farm Rocks, where the High Weald Landscape Trail will be joined. 5. Owned by the British Mountaineering Council and frequently used by climbers these sandstone rocks form a 1.5-acre geological SSSI and date back to the early cretaceous period some 140 million years ago. These rocks are typical of many sandstone crags in Mid-Sussex which expose the Tunbridge Wells Sand Formation. Looking back from here gives a great view of the reservoir. 6. Just down the hill from the rocks is Mill Place Farm which is home to Kingscote Vineyard. The farmhouse itself was built in 1320 as an Iron Master’s house and the magnificent 15th century tithe barn has been converted into a tasting room and shop, conveniently situated and a great place to stop for a coffee or wine. 7. A short walk from the vineyard takes us to Kingscote Station on the Bluebell Line where the train can be caught taking you back to Sheffield Park. The walk can be shortened to 3 miles by alighting at Kingscote Station and taking a walk just to the vineyard and rocks.

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pack it in by local fashion guru Vicky Booker

Holiday season is here! If you’re off to sunny climes, lucky you. But before you can relax with something refreshing by the pool, you’ll need to sort your holiday packing. Now, I hate a stereotype, but when it comes to packing for a trip, there are often differences in how the gents and ladies approach it. A survey by Holiday Hypermarket recently found that men tend to under pack and leave it until the last minute, whereas women over pack, but were more organised by starting to pack at least three days before a trip. But 91% of women admitted to not wearing all the clothes they take away with them (hands up – this is definitely me!) With airlines stricter than ever on baggage allowances, getting it right can also save the embarrassment of unpacking at the check-in desks or having to stump up for the excess baggage. So, here are some of my top packing tips: Plan ahead – it may sound over the top but thinking through the activities and sort of holiday you’ll be having means you can plan the outfits you’ll need. If you’re likely to deposit yourself by the pool and stay there pretty much all week, then you’ll need plenty of swimwear, cover-ups, t-shirts and shorts, but not much else. If you an explorer on holiday, you’ll want appropriate shoes and comfy gear that will be suited to all your activities. Glamming it up in a posh resort? Then you’ll want some chic outfits to waft around the boutiques and bars! For the guys, a smart but comfy pair of stretch shorts are an essential holiday staple. Wear during the day with a t-shirt and sliders or trainers and smarten up for a meal out with a linen shirt and leather loafers. These Togo Stretch Shorts are by Fynch-Hatton and are available (in other colours too) from stylish Chichester men’s boutique Stephen Lawrence. Pick a colour theme – if you want the elusive ‘capsule wardrobe’ where you take just what you need, and everything mixes and matches, it can be useful to pick a colour scheme. So, you plan your outfits around these key colours, and add neutrals (navy, taupe, khaki etc) for your basics meaning everything works together. A big womenswear trend this season is Broderie Anglaise – perfect for a summer holiday. Preview Boutique in Crane Street, Chichester has these lovely blouses in a range of colours (I love the orange!). Easy to pair with denim shorts, or white trousers. To fold or roll, that is the question! – Using the space effectively is key to maximising what you can take, and ensuring your gear arrives in a wearable state. Some items lend themselves to folding – generally those in a more structured fabric. So, jeans, denim shorts, and jackets are probably best folded, whereas t-shirts, jersey dresses and floaty fabrics work well rolled. Packing cubes – my absolute go-to piece of kit! Packing cubes are soft fabric bags in varying sizes and shapes that help organise your clothes and accessories inside the case. They are brilliant for sorting similar items together so you can find things easily (all your swimwear together for example) and for maximising the space. There are loads to choose from – a simple Google search will sort it – most come in a set of 7 or 8 pieces. Weigh-in – Clothes are often heavier than you think! It’s worth weighing your case before you leave for the airport. You can buy luggage scales, or you can do the highly scientific method of standing on the scales at home, then picking up your bag and weighing yourself again! The added bonus (or downside) is you can work out the impact the ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets and pina coladas have had on your return! Wherever you’re off to, have fun and let me know if you need any help with planning your holiday wardrobe. For advice and guidance to dress with confidence, I’d love to help, so do get in touch. www.vickybooker.com and email: vicky@vickybooker.com Stephen Lawrence Menswear – 11/14 St Martin’s Street Chichester 01243 771 378 Preview Boutique – 10 Crane Street, Chichester 01243 775177

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GULL TrOUbLE

Seabirds are amazing creatures. They undertake incredible migrations, navigating the world’s oceans nearly all year round. They are agile and skilful flyers and have formidable endurance, coping with the toughest conditions at sea, including high winds, huge waves and terrible storms. They are intelligent and adaptable and excellent, caring parents. And, when we’re lucky enough to get close to them, we can see they are beautiful birds, often with feathers of pure white and soft greys. And yet, some of our most approachable seabirds – the gulls – are not very popular. These days, many people see our increasingly urban gulls as pests – they steal seaside treats, are aggressive and make lots of noise on our roofs in coastal towns. This can be understandably irritating, especially if you happen to live near some of their nests during the few months of the summer when they’re raising chicks. The herring gull may have become a common sight It wasn’t always this way. Until recently, around our coastal towns recently, but the species has gulls were mainly marine birds but they’ve suffered dramatic declines in the UK in the last 50 years. been moving inland. Over the last 30 years, huge changes in the fishing industry have meant there are fewer fishing vessels and less food is available from discards and offal. being smart, intelligent and resourceful birds, many gulls have turned to landfill sites, rubbish bins, litter and food waste in our urban areas instead. They nest near these food sources, which has inevitably brought them into conflict with us. So now gulls are just like some other wildlife, like foxes, which have learned to live side by side with us in our towns. The gulls we’re most likely to encounter in towns are the herring gull and the lesser blackbacked gull. The herring gull has declined by 50 per cent since 1970 and, as a result, it is now on the so-called ‘red list’ of birds of conservation concern. The lesser black-backed gull has also declined and is on the ‘amber list’. This means that, although they can be a nuisance, we should bear in mind that they’re not doing as well as they may seem. So what can we do? All species of gull are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to intentionally injure or kill any gull or damage or destroy an active nest or its contents. but with a little thought, understanding and planning, we can learn to live with our new (and sometimes noisy) neighbours! both the rSPb and rSPCA believe that non-lethal controls and deterrents are the best way to reduce the problems that gulls can cause. Learning to dispose of rubbish properly – in wildlife-proof bins rather than loose bags, for instance – eliminating litter, reducing their nesting opportunities before the breeding season by using humane methods such as wire cages, and NOT feeding the gulls in our streets, sea fronts and gardens will all help us to live harmoniously together. It’s worth remembering that even gulls now need our help. After all, there isn’t a sight or sound more evocative of the coast and the sea than our gulls – and we would miss them if we lost these wonderful and often misunderstood birds altogether!

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Grahame Madge (rspb-images.com)

by rOb yArhAM (Volunteer Coordinator and Guide)

Villages in Focus

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bOGNOr rEGIS CAMErA CLUb

SUMMEr ExhIbITION by rOb dE rUITEr

For the first time since 2019 bognor regis Camera Club will again be holding its Annual Exhibition of a wide range of members work from 1-6 August from 10am to 4pm at the regis School of Music, Sudley road (behind boots), bognor regis. The return of this highlight of the club’s year after Covid coincides with celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the club which was founded in October 1947 and held its first exhibition twelve months later. Over the years the camera club has met at various venues but these days the meetings are held at the St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close in Felpham. Photography has changed dramatically since the founding of the club with the arrival of the digital camera and camera phones making photography available to everyone. bognor regis Camera Club welcomes anyone with an interest in photography keen to learn more. Existing members enjoy a varied and stimulating programme of guest speakers, competitions, creative practical sessions and workshops. There is also a programme of social events throughout the whole year. Our members, of broad age range and ability, are always willing to give help and guidance. If you like the idea of a friendly club with photography at its heart you can find out more on our website at www.bognorregiscameraclub.org or contact Stephen Ormrod (our secretary) secretary@bognorregiscameraclub.org or 07785576284.

WHAT’S ON Fri 1st & Sat 2nd July – 7.30pm / Sat mat – 2.30pm Back To The 60s & 70s Tickets - £14 / £12 cons

Fri 5th August – 7.30pm 60 Minutes of Classical Music (in studio 1) Tickets - £6.50 / Under 25s £3.50

Fri 1st July – 7.30pm 60 Minutes of Classical Music (in studio 1) Tickets - £6.50 / Under 25s £3.50

Sat 6th August – 7.30pm PZAZZ Tickets - £18

Tues 5th July – 2pm 2 O’Clock Club (in studio 1) - ‘Dave Harris’ Tickets - £6 / £5 cons / Friends £4.50

Sat 13th August – 7.30pm Opera Night Tickets - £15 / under 25’s £7.50

Fri 8th July – 7.30pm Forbidden Nights - Minimum age of 16+! Tickets - £27.50 Rows A-F / all others £25 Fri 9th July - 7.30pm T Rextasy Tickets - £21 Wed 20th - Fri 22nd July – 7.30pm The Vicar of Dibley : Two Weddings And A Funeral Tickets - £14 Tues 2nd August – 2pm 2 O’Clock Club (in studio 1) - ‘Kate Bennett’ Tickets - £6 / £5 cons / Friends £4.50

Sun 14th August – 7.30pm The Story of Rogers & Hammerstein Tickets - £17 / £15 cons Thurs 25th August – 7.30pm New Amen Corner - Bringing on Back The 60’s Tickets - £21.50 Fri 26th August – 7.30pm The Roy Orbison Story Tickets - £24

For full show info, please visit our website at:

www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

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brewing trouble by kim leslie There’s a dreadful warning found in a little backwater of West Sussex, at Kirdford, near Petworth. In the wall of the former vicarage sits a Victorian sermon in stone, dating from 1850. Drink was the curse of the 19th century. Trouble wasn’t brewing just from the multitude of inns and taverns – there were far more than today; beer houses proliferated from an 1830 law permitting anyone paying rates to sell beer from their own house. In the Bognor area alone there were at least fifteen beer houses. Arundel’s vicar saw their sales of cheap beer attracting ‘the worst characters’ into indolence and vice. At Amberley the locals ‘congregated in the beer-shops, perusing malicious publications’. The drink question topped political agendas. The Church of England Temperance Society thundered its message from every pulpit denouncing the demon drink, hell’s ovens stoked ready. Led by the rector of Slindon, local clergy headed the Society’s Goodwood Mission distributing anti-drink literature to race-goers, offering ‘spiritual addresses … to the tramps and loafers frequenting the Race Course’ as well as reaching out to women plying their dubious trade amongst the punters. Drink, gambling and vice were warm bedfellows. Even the children were reached through the Temperance Society’s junior section, the Band of Hope, through its local branches at Bersted, Bognor, Pagham and Yapton. Throughout the 1890s they organised an annual ‘capital tea at 3d [three old pennies] a head’ at Bognor’s Assembly Rooms. Reports tell of the children eagerly singing ‘Temperance Boys and Girls Are We’, followed by marching through the town with their waving banners, mirroring Kirdford’s dire warning-on -the-wall of the evils of drinking.

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Changing a Will can reduce your Inheritance Tax Bill by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

How can a Deed of Variation help you? A Deed of Variation is an official document that allows the beneficiaries of a Will to change who inherits your share of the estate. Why? The Will was written a long time ago – It does not include beneficiaries born at a later date and current beneficiaries agree to include them. Passing to a child – Maybe that child is not of age, or the concerns for a Trust are no longer applicable. Utilise Spousal/Charitable Exemption – Maybe the estate is incurring tax which was unexpected, is the estate larger and can some further reductions in tax be obtained? Changing a Will can reduce your inheritance tax bill! This can be (by agreement) a change to your Will to make it more efficient if required; also, some beneficiaries may want to vary their inheritance so it does not form part of their estate. This is a particularly useful tool for later life planning, you may not wish to personally have the funds and potentially pay Inheritance Tax, so you therefore allow this to pass to children or grandchildren as an inheritance so it passes directly to them. The resulting tax benefit is that the funds count as if going direct to the new beneficiary as if the Will sent it to them direct.

A Deed of Variation is a great tool and should always be considered and discussed to ensure the most tax efficient decisions can be made. When should you make a Deed of Variation? You can make a Deed of Variation before or after applying for probate – It must be completed within 2 years of death, must be in writing and needs to be from the individual benefitting. Can you make a Deed of Variation if there is no Will? Yes, you can still make a Deed of Variation if there is no Will. We can help! How to make a Deed of Variation If you would like to make a Deed of Variation, or wish to discuss anything further relating to any of our services, contact our friendly team today to book your free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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STAy COOL ThIS SUMMEr by TOM hANCOCK UK houses don’t have air con as a rule. So how do we stay cool when the temperature rises? Think inside out – drink and eat cold things! Iced water, tea and squash will keep you hydrated and cool. Try chilled watermelon, grapes, and sorbets. Make healthy lollies from diluted cordial with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber. Poor man’s air con – Fans don’t cool air; they move it around. So put a bowl of iced water in front of your fan. This will cool the air blowing over the bowl and make the room feel cooler. If you have a ceiling fan make it spin anti-clockwise to create a cooling effect. The opposite is true in the winter. refrigerate your pillowcase – I am not joking. Pop your clean cotton pillowcases into the fridge and put them on your pillow just before bed. It feels great against your skin. you can also keep clean damp flannels or linen tea towels in the fridge and use them to cool your face and the back of your neck. Be smart with windows – There is a reason many houses abroad have heavy shutters. They shade a home’s windows to prevent heat from getting in in the first place, keeping the house cool during the day.UK houses don’t generally have shutters, but a white-backed blind or thick curtains will definitely help. At night if you sleep on the first floor or above and it’s possible and safe to do so, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a through draft. Avoid using heat indoors – Eat cold food, or grill outdoors. If you have to cook indoors, try a slow cooker or Microwave which generate much less external heat. Avoid using the tumble dryer by hanging clothes outside.

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SUdOKU

how to Play sudoku It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

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We supply, install & repair all makes of garage doors, including automatic electric doors. All at very competitive prices and no call out fees. Garage Door Electric Operator Supplied & Fitted From £345 inc VAT

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the right reception By barry fox If you watch TV the ‘ordinary way’, with an aerial on the roof picking up UHF DT (Digital Terrestrial) Freeview, probably from the big transmitter on the Isle of Wight, you can expect reception problems as the weather turns warm, especially in the evening. While some programmes (the BBC) come in loud and clear, others (such as Sky News on channel 233) collapse into mosaic pictures and stuttering sound; or disappear altogether. Similar problems used to afflict old analogue TV. The screen tried to show two programmes at the same time. The culprit is good summer weather which temporarily changes conditions in the upper atmosphere. This lets signals from some French TV transmitters waft in over the water. These French transmitters share the same, or closely similar, frequencies with the IOW. Usually, these alien signals are weak so your TV set just ignores them. But when they get stronger, because of weather, they can swamp Freeview. Curiously the interference seems to have got worse since Brexit. Perish the thought that the French have got less careful over power limits. What to do? Well, don’t go out and buy a booster/amplifier. These devices are designed to increase the strength of good – but weak – signals so that they can be distributed to several rooms of a house. If you feed messy signals, like a mix of British and French TV, into a booster it just strengthens the mess. Checking the direction in which your aerial points, away from France and towards the IOW, may help – especially if your aerial has been blown skew by high winds. But most likely you will need the tech fix which the IOW transmitter already offers; Vertical Polarisation. Most TV transmitters send out horizontal waves, which are picked up by aerials with horizontal rods. But, because of the French problem, the IOW also sends out the same TV programmes using vertical waves, which are picked up by aerials with vertical rods (see picture). If your aerial is not rusted into an immovable position, it may be possible to turn the array of rods through 90 degrees, from horizontal to vertical. It will then largely ignore French TV signals, which are horizontal, and concentrate on vertical Freeview from the IOW. Old, corroded, aerials will need replacing. At the same time, replace the connecting cable down to the house because this degrades and absorbs water, which then degrades the signal. Don’t, whatever you do, try a DIY job, unless your aerial is sited near ground level. Trying to free and fix bolts and electrical connections, and adjust pointing direction, is tricky even on terra firma. Working with aerials at high level is literally lethal. It’s how Rod Hull of Emu fame died. Pay a professional aerial fitter to do it all. Those who work in this area will be well up to speed on the French effect. Bear in mind also that the French Freeview invasion does not affect satellite TV, and the Freesat equivalent to Freeview. But that’s another story for another day. To contact Barry Fox visit www.tekkiepix.com

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In the centre of Middleton-on-Sea It’s BBQ time!!

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Welcome to Arundel Clocks 01243 585059 gary@arundelclocks.com I have been restoring, repairing, servicing and selling clocks for the last 25 years. Arundel Clocks is based in the heart of Elmer Sands, West Sussex serving surrounding areas. We are happy to undertake any work from a service to a major strip down and re‐build or restoration. I always give a guaranteed price (with no hidden costs) and an estimated time for completion of the work undertaken, all repairs are backed up with a back to base twelve month guarantee.

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Welcome to Arundel Clocks

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CrOSSWOrd 1. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 17. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24.

1. 2. 3. 5. 6.

down Furthest down (6) Nasal hole (7) Occurence (5) black water bird (7) Pre-_____, before birth (5)

7. brochette, spit (6) 9. despicable (9) 13. Coy, reticent (7) 14. Nevertheless (7) 15. blackmails (6)

Across Pierced, punctured (medical) (6) Atones (6) Squander (5) disciple (7) Extend (7) divide in two (5) Maze (9) regulations (5) Authorise, enable (7) Aid, assist (7) bestowed (5) Plundered goods (6) Catches, traps (6)

16. Sips, gulps (6) 18. Slow tempo (musical term) (5) 20. Follower of ancient religion (5)

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GrEEN IS GOOd Wild places are important to us humans. We often forget it when we’re so absorbed in our daily lives. but we might look out of the window from time to time at the trees, or see a bird fly past, and experience a moment of peace. Even during lockdown, when many of us couldn’t do much else, when we were finally able to venture out into our parks and gardens, back out into the countryside and to the seaside – nature was there to give us the boost we needed. The trees blossomed and the birds sang, and all seemed well after all. Nature is good for you. but don’t just take my word for it. There is a growing body of evidence which confirms that spending time outdoors, in our local wild spaces, provides real benefits for our physical and mental health. For many of us this has felt true for some time. We only have to go for a walk in the countryside, along the beach, or perhaps on one of the nature reserves we’re so lucky to have nearby, to know that it’s a great way to feel refreshed and to forget our worries. Of course, it almost goes without saying that we know that regular exercise – for instance, walking, cycling or gardening – has Spending time outdoors is good for your physical and real benefits for our physical health. health mental health, and where better to spend it than at rSPb Pagham harbour, helping to keep this wild space experts recommend that to stay healthy special for people and wildlife. we should undertake at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five times a week. And one of the most enjoyable ways to do that is to go for a walk in the fresh air. but wild spaces also provide us with much more than somewhere to exercise. research shows that increasing our connection to nature – seeing and ‘being in’ green or wild spaces and watching wildlife – helps our mental wellbeing, too. Access to nature increases our ability to relax, cope with stress and leads to improvements in mood. And some research suggests that physical recovery from ill health is accelerated by regular exposure to nature. So, it is even more important that we protect our green spaces and do all we can for our local wildlife. by helping nature, ultimately, we’re helping ourselves. And there’s no better way to help nature and improve our wellbeing than to join the rSPb as a volunteer, and you don’t need to know about wildlife, either! We provide lots of opportunities for outdoor physical activity, from practical conservation work to walking around the reserves, meeting and chatting to visitors and helping to protect the birds and other wildlife from disturbance. health scientists also tell us that keeping mentally active by learning new skills and spending time with people are great ways to improve our mental wellbeing. Volunteering can help there, too – as well as learning lots, you’ll meet wonderful people and work with a great team of friendly staff and volunteers. And you’ll have fun, too! So why not join us? you’ll be doing nature – and yourself – a lot of good! To find out more about rSPb volunteering opportunities at rSPb Pagham harbour & Medmerry reserves, contact rob yarham, rSPb Volunteer Coordinator, at rob.yarham@rspb.org.uk or call 01243 641508.

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rob yarham (rspb-images.com).

by rOb yArhAM (Volunteer Coordinator and Guide)

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garden view gone to seed by rachel leverton Gardening is a hobby and, after a while, most people with hobbies find themselves experimenting. They get a bit creative and want to see if they can do something on the cheap, or for free, or simply to find out whether it’s possible to do something just for the simple pleasure of trying. Seed collecting falls into this category for me. Most seeds are not particularly expensive to buy, so why would I or anyone else want to collect our own? Well I can’t speak for anyone else, but I get a real buzz from collecting seed, knowing that I can perpetuate a favourite plant without any outside involvement. Sometimes I’ll collect seed with a fair degree of certainty that I’ll be able to raise hundreds of little seedlings, and sometimes I do it for the challenge, as not all seeds are easy to propagate. If you want to have a go at seed collecting (and be warned, it’s a highly addictive pastime) then here are a few tips. You will need: • Large paper bags – Must be paper. Plastic bags won’t do as they retain moisture and cause the seeds to develop fungus or go mouldy. You can buy them from eBay or make your own from brown paper and artist’s paper tape. • Felt pen - for labelling. This is important as you will forget what you’ve collected even if you think you won’t! • Box or trug - for carrying the bags of seeds around the garden. • Small pair of scissors or secateurs – for snipping the heads. • Choose a dry day with little or no wind. Select a healthy, pest and disease-free plant with seedpods which look as though they’re about to split. • Label a paper bag (it’s much easier to do this first) then cut off the seedhead and turn it upside down into the bag. • Place the bag into a dry place and wait for the seeds to ripen. Check regularly. • When most of the seedpods have opened, tip out the contents on to a dry surface and separate all the seeds from any remaining bits of pod. • Store the clean seeds in a small, labelled paper bag or envelope, in a cool dry place until ready to be used. • • • • • • • •

Easy seeds to collect and grow: Nigella damascena (love-in-the-mist) Aquilegia (ladies bonnets) Papaver (Poppy) Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove) Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmos) Lunaria annua (Honesty) You’ll soon discover many more. Happy collecting.

Happy Gardening.

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The Year of the Bikini Body

By Cass Anderson

When I was younger, I used to spend hours with my friends fretting over how to get the perfect bikini body before our girls’ getaway holiday. I’d berate myself for not having long slender limbs and an ample bosom like my friend Claire, as I scrutinised my pasty pear-shaped figure in the mirror for signs of cellulite. I’d imagine everyone on the beach was mocking me in my choice of swimwear and spent most of our holidays covered up with a T shirt or a towel. Fast forward twenty years, three children and two years of COVID weight gain later and the pale, pear-shaped body of my youth is now a distant dream. Oh, how I wish I’d appreciated it at the time! Yet oddly in 2022 as holiday destinations open up again and we’re all yearning for a bit of sun, sand, and sangria, I feel more liberated than my anxiety-ridden 20-year-old self. Collectively we’ve all been to hell and back; we’ve lost loved ones, home-schooled our kids, openly discussed our mental health issues with strangers on the internet during lockdown, and the trend definitely seems to be towards being kinder to each other and ourselves. We’re getting our lives back and our lives are for living, not worrying about our muffin tops and cellulite. The secret to a bikini body in 2022 is to put your body in a bikini … and that’s it. Choose your swim wear in a colour you love and that you feel fabulous in. Choose a skimpy two piece or a shape-supporting onepiece, but whatever your choice wear it with confidence. Don’t let the judgement of others, real or imagined terrorise you into covering up and feeling miserable. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Your body is yours. It is nobody else’s business. Feel that sun on your skin and rejoice. Don’t try to starve your body into submission before your holiday. Holidays are meant to be relaxing and fun and goodness knows we all need some relaxation and fun right now. Your amazing body has come through two of the most stressful years in living history and you survived. Give yourself a pat on the back and let your hair down. And for goodness’ sake don’t hang out on any social media sites where ‘influencers’ post #nofilter pics of themselves looking like catwalk models. It’s all #abunchoflies. Life is real and raw and we’re going to live it anyway…our way. The choice of beachwear this year is amazing. There are supportive bra-sized sets for women who have bigger boobs. There are some gorgeous swimsuits with pretty details and cut outs and (my favourites) cute beach tops and skorts for those who feel more comfortable a bit more covered up but still want to swim and run around with the kids on the beach. There really is something for everyone. So put on your new bikini, slap on your suntan lotion, and feel the sand between your toes. Congratulations. You now have a bikini body.

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S KIN AND L A SER CLI NI C

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Brush Strokes by Tim Holland Brush Strokes is a small group of local artists of assorted skill levels who have come together following a change in structure to the now dissolved DIY Art Club based in Middleton on Sea. We meet on Thursdays between 9:30am and 12:30pm at the Scout Hut on Shrubbs Field Middleton. Since lockdown, a sizeable number of people have turned to art to explore their creative talents and enjoy a relaxing and limitless outflow of innovative ideas. Brushstrokes welcomes artists at all levels of their inventive journeys, and delivers an environment of friendly support, guidance, and fresh ideas. We have members who work in watercolour, acrylics, pastels and even air brush techniques and we are always willing to help and learn in equal measure. Within a comfortable, relaxing mood of chatter, drinks, biscuits and light music, three hours a week can be spent working on your chosen media and exploring fresh artistic fields in the company of fellow male and female artists. We will look to host exhibitions of our craft with a view to sell our works and further ahead we plan to arrange tutorials with professional artists. So, if you are more matchstick man than Michelangelo, Peppa Pig not Picasso or somewhere in between, the newly formed Brushstrokes Art Group could be for you. We welcome new members – first session free, thereafter £4 a week. To join us please contact Tim Holland: 07809 118680 – we look forward to hearing from you.

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We are open for business! • Samples brought to you • PPE & Safety proceedures

The Raven Flooring Co. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY.....IS THAT LITTLE EXTRA

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) Specialists The beauty of LVT is the ability to create unique designs and patterns as you would with natural materials. It is possible to mimic real stone, ceramic and wood flooring using tiles, planks and more recently parquet. Today's manufacturing techniques give incredible realistic results almost indistinguishable from the real thing as they are also textured to mimic the real materials, yet it is incredibly hard wearing, designed to withstand the rigours of modern day life. The diversity and practicality of LVT makes it a winner anywhere in the home, office or any other area that needs floor coverings.

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dr davina Mahoney

dr John harker dr Mauricio Carrillo dr sharad Patel

If you have moved to this area, or are looking for a new dentist, we would love for you to come and join our friendly bognor regis practice. We pride ourselves on a partnership built on trust and mutual respect to improve your dental health. We aim to work with you to provide optimum dental care with the latest and advanced dental treatments, transparent costs and a friendly experience every time you visit us.

Felpham dental implant Clinic `

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At Felpham dental we offer a full range of cost-effective treatments for both general and cosmetic dentistry. These include whitening, veneers, crowns, white fillings, dental implants, root canal treatments and facial aesthetics including intradermal wrinkle treatments. We accept referrals for complex root canal treatments with dr John harker, and oral surgery referrals including facial pain and migraine, with dr Mauricio Carrillo. invisalign teeth straightening

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Free initial consultation Almost invisible teeth straightening Faster straightening of teeth

direct hygienist Access you can directly access our full team of dental hygienists: elizabeth Goodchild, Jane Gander and helen Carter even if you are not a registered patient. emergency dental Care Please call 01243 864663 and speak with Chrissie or Tracey. Contact us: Felpham dental 83 Felpham road bognor regis.PO22 7PF (Opposite Milestones Garage)

Tel: 01243 864663 felphamdental@aol.com www.felphamdental.com

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What is Comic-Con? By Tracey Anderson When people talk about a ‘comic-con’, they’re usually referring to a comic convention — an event where comic fans, creators, and experts congregate to attend panels, participate in discussions and attend parties, centred around comics. The very first comic convention was held in New York in July 1964, but the movement really started gaining popularity in the 1980s. In recent years, these conventions have become more popular, and often expand to cover television shows, movies, and other forms of art and fiction that are more mainstream. There are comic conventions all around the world, including the UK run by many different companies and they all offer slightly different things. Some are enormous, attracting big name stars from Hollywood, while others are more low key events, paying more attention to niche publications and shows. Hundreds of thousands of people attend the conventions every year. There is a revival of interest in comics, and graphic artists are becoming more well known, as they showcase their work on social media. In addition pop culture is now inundated with comic book projects, and fans of mainstream films and computer games often find their way to more quirky, unconventional publications via this route. The million dollar question is often, ‘Do you have to dress up to go to a comic convention?’ No, but many people do and it’s called cosplay. Its not a requirement but it’s great fun. Because convention is so popular now tickets are often limited and can sell out very quickly, so you need to buy early if you want to attend one of the big, popular events. In addition because of the expansion to include more movies and TV shows, fans of these productions e.g. Buffy or Twilight often show up just for that feature, which locks out the die-hard comic book fans, the people the events are designed for. Sometimes its better to head for the smaller events because the experience is more personal. But the fact is that geek culture has gone mainstream. Guardians of the Galaxy and Dark Knight are no longer the preserve of comic book nerds. Five reasons to attend a Comic Con The Special Guests - The chance to meet your heroes in the flesh. Actors from movies, TV shows and anime, writers, and graphic artists. Games – computer games and board games feature large at some events but not at others, so if you love games, look for a convention which goes big on them. Merch – T-shirts, magazines, artwork, autographs, books, memorabilia, costumes and more. Comic conventions are a great place to indulge your love of all things nerdy. Cosplay – Half the fun is admiring all the amazing outfits. Some people buy them but many are handmade with exquisite attention to detail. This is next level nerdiness and it’s awesome. Comics – Of course. That’s kind of the central idea. There will be thousands of titles available and I guarantee there will be some you’ve never heard of, even if you are a committed comic fan.

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Now offering 10 years warranty on Vaillant boilers

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a bad smell By louise addison Do you have a friend or colleague with a strong body odour? Would you tell them? Do you wonder why they don’t smell it themselves? Body odour is caused by bacteria on your skin reacting with sweat. Many thousands of bacteria live naturally on our skin all the time. When we sweat, the water, salt and fat mix with these bacteria and may cause odour. Exercise, stress and anxiety, excess bodyweight and genetics can all affect whether you produce an odour and how strong it is. Some medical conditions are associated with changes in the way a person smells. They include diabetes, gout, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s, liver, and kidney disease. However, none of these diseases are associated with the type of smell we usually mean when we refer to B.O. Hormones on the other hand can cause unpleasant body odour. Teenagers of both sexes can be particularly susceptible. The hot flushes, night sweats and hormonal fluctuations associated with the menopause can also cause odour issues, and body odour can also change with menstruation. The saying, ‘you are what you eat’, may apply double when we’re dealing with the way our bodies smell. Sulphurous foods such as onions, garlic, cabbage, and broccoli can cause an increase in unpleasant body odour, and some people are more affected by this than others. Scrupulous personal hygiene is the best way to avoid body odour. Bathing daily with antibacterial soap, focussing on the areas where you sweat the most, like your armpits and groin helps control the population of bacteria on your skin preventing unpleasant body odour. Hair is a breeding ground for bacteria. Shaved armpits therefore help sweat evaporate more quickly so it doesn’t have as much time to interact with bacteria. Loose-fitting clean clothing made of natural or moisture-wicking materials allows your skin to breathe. Topical antiperspirants work by pulling sweat back into your sweat glands. Sweat production decreases when your body receives a signal that your sweat glands are full. Most of us assume we’d know if we smelled bad, but actually we might not! Our noses are designed to detect smells that are new or strange. We experience smells when molecules trigger the receptors in our nose. If they are overrun with the same smell for a period of time though, they fatigue and tune the smell out, so we stop noticing it. It can then take two or three weeks to regain sensitivity to that smell. This is especially true about the smells our own body produces and is the reason why many ex-smokers are horrified after a couple of months of no cigarettes, when they encounter another smoker and realise that their clothes must have reeked before. So, your whiffy friend or colleague may genuinely not realise they smell unpleasant to others. Should you tell someone they smell? It’s a dilemma. You might have to tell them if you are in a management position, and it is affecting your team. If it’s a friend you might want to tell them in order to save them from social embarrassment. Tread very carefully and above all be kind. Never gossip about a person who smells. They may have a medical issue or be struggling with mental health or poverty issues. Also remember that you may be unnaturally sensitive to smells. Your co-worker or friend may smell bad to you, but your colleagues or friends might not have noticed a problem. If you are worried that you might have body odour, find a trusted friend or family member to ask.

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Clubs, Classes and Events

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Ratatouille

The taste of summer for supper. Preparation time – 30 mins Cooking time – 30 mins to 1 hour

Serves – 4

Ingredients 2 aubergines 4 tbsp olive oil salt 4 small courgettes 2 onions, chopped freshly ground black pepper 2 red peppers 2 garlic cloves, crushed small bunch basil, torn 4 large tomatoes ½ tsp sugar Method • Chop the aubergines into chunks about 2.5cm square. Cut the courgettes into 2.5cm thick slices. De-seed the peppers and cut these into bite-sized chunks. • Peel the tomatoes - score a cross in the base of each tomato and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour over enough boiling water to cover and set aside for one minute. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel away the skins. Roughly chop the flesh. • Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and add the chopped onions. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown and tender. Add the aubergines and courgettes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the peppers, garlic, sugar, some salt and pepper and half the basil and mix well. Cover and cook over a very gentle heat for 20 minutes. • Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes. Scatter the ratatouille with the remaining basil and serve with crusty garlic bread or Focaccia.

puzzle solutions Solution to Mind Benders 1. That’s overrated. 2. Second chance. 3. You’re in trouble.

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TJ INTERIORS LTD Established for more than 25 years, TJ Interiors Ltd welcomes you to our showroom on the Bognor to Chichester road. We have a wide range of samples to choose from and with our expert guidance, we can help you realise your interior dreams.

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hOrOSCOPES FOr JULy/AUGUST by LOCAL ASTrOLOGEr LETICIA PArMEr Mars – planet of energy, passion and drive moves to sit beside planet Uranus – which brings innovation and revolution. This fires up your need to make sweeping changes and improvements, but as both planets are in the cautious sign of Taurus, you are likely to experience a bit of a stopstart-stop-start situation over the summer. here’s why ... Aries The tricky conflict for you will be to do with money, security and personal property. The question is, whether to stick with the tried and tested ways of earning and saving or to jump in and take a wild gamble.

LiBrA Something you discover or uncover leaves you wondering whether to tell all or keep things to yourself. The conflict is, if you share the news you might upset others but if you don’t you may feel isolated.

tAurus As both Mars and Uranus are together in your own sign, this planetary conflict will feel very personal. your steady and constant nature hates big changes, yet you feel very strongly driven to abandon old patterns.

sCorPio If you would like to tie the knot but don’t know whether to go for a traditional ceremony or something quite outlandish and different, you are not alone. your partner is actually feeling exactly the same.

GeMini Freedom-craving Gemini does not take kindly to being pushed into a decision. The question is, which do you trust - your intuition and dreams or science? Unfortunately all directions hold equal sway.

sAGittArius health advice could leave you somewhat anxious as you learn there are two options and you don’t fancy either of them. Alternative medicine beckons, but then modern ways are, in theory, proven.

CAnCer Friends may present you with a humanitarian dilemma. don’t let your natural compassion and social conscience lead you to do something totally out of character. Keep your cool not driven by the crowd.

CAPriCorn Traditional and old-school Capricorn just has to break the mould now, especially when it comes to artistic expression. Is that a good idea, will others accept your new, more free and more wild self?

Leo Career prospects loom on the horizon in a rather unusual guise. It’s not what you had in mind at all, yet you feel a strong pressure to accept the offer. don’t let Pride or vanity lose you this opportunity.

AQuArius To move or stay put, to renovate or not, these are the opposing drives you are challenged with right now. you can’t stop looking at relocation options but will you actually take action or are these just dreams?

VirGo Whether to go somewhere completely different and try out a new vacation experience, or to stick with the tried and tested holiday spot, is strongly challenging your need to be the most helpful and practical.

PisCes Mars is pushing you to communicate and you will be very witty right now. remember, anyone offended by your words is coming from their own inner demons, so don’t let that censor you in any way.

Leticia has been a lifelong astrologer and healer and has among her clients, politicians, celebrities and royalty. her mission is to help and heal others. Email to book an appointment for an in-depth counselling session or healing with Leticia: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com Leticia Parmer’s book WHY ON EARTH is available from Amazon.

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WEST SUSSEx GEOLOGICAL SOCIETy by JO PAxTON

If you are interested in what lies under the surface of the world, come along and find out more with us. recent lectures have included, Geology of the Channel Islands, Scotland’s Lost Meteorite and Lapis Lazuli. Field trips have been the Geology of Nyman’s Gardens, the building stones of Tarring and downe house, Kent, the home of Charles darwin. We issue our colour magazine Outcrop twice a year and we are a friendly group who meet in West Worthing at 7.30pm on the third Friday of each month (except July and August) at St Stephen’s hall, Angola road, Worthing. bN14 8dU. Our Society, founded in 1977, has around seventy members. We have a varied and interested programme given by guest speakers, often specialists in their own field, designed for beginners and experts alike. Our field trips are held throughout the year. events for 2022: (Field Trips Members £1 Guests £2. Lectures Guests £1). • 24th July Field Trip The Seaford Chalk, 12 noon by the Martello Tower, led by Andy Cosham. • 6th August Field Trip Pebbles on the beach, 10.30am – 12 noon, Worthing Pier, led by david bone. • 13th August Novium Museum Chichester, Geology day. Museum entrance fee. • 4th September Field trip, geology/Archaeology walk at Cissbury, 10.30 am meet Coombe rise car park, led by Alex Vincent. • 21st October Lecture Gold from Source to Shop, speaker david Alderton. • 22-24th October Long weekend to the Isle of Wight. • 18th November Lecture Ammonite Collections at british Museums, speaker dr robert Chandler. do get in touch - we would love to hear from you. Jo Paxton, Secretary 07902 183341, email wsgeosoc@gmail.com website www. wsgs.org.uk

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A GOOd rEAd

by TASh dONOVAN

hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell This novel is the fictional retelling of the life of Anne hathaway, who was married to William Shakespeare. The bard is never actually named in the book, which forces us to concentrate on Anne. Shakespeare left no documentation about his personal life: if he wrote diaries, they are lost. This leaves O’Farrell free to use her imagination within an historical context. Agnes - pronounced ‘Anyis,’ also known as Anne, is a farmer’s daughter, who is married for love to a younger man with few obvious prospects. She is a gifted herbalist with psychic abilities, whose confidence and selfassuredness marks her out among women of her time. he is the son of a bully, with a love of the intricacies of language and a penchant for wordy puns. They certainly make an unusual couple. O’Farrell’s novel comprises of a series of interwoven short stories, centring on each of the characters. Some of the earlier stories involve Anne’s extended family of in-laws, which whom the couple live following her first pregnancy, and her arrangements for her husband to seek his fortunes in London, while she’s pregnant with twins. In spite of their separation, the couple remain close until one of the twins, hamnet, dies aged 11. The stories then centre on their shared grief and the strain this puts on their relationship, which culminates in him publishing his most famous tragedy, ‘hamlet. O’ Farrell writes beautifully and if you like attention to historical detail coupled with elegant storytelling then you’ll love this book. If you prefer a spare, more fluid style of writing then you might find the going a little slow. O’ Farrell also adopts the trend of writing women from history as possessing contemporary traits. I didn’t find this an issue, but I can imagine purists wondering if Anne really would have been quite as liberated as she’s written here. A wonderful read for history-lovers with a satisfying ending. Through the Mirror door by Sarah baker books like ‘The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe’ ‘The Secret Garden’ and ‘The Ghosts of Motley hall’ are timeless children’s novels which immerse the reader in another world. This was Sarah baker’s entry into this particular genre of children’s literature, and it doesn’t disappoint. Angela is orphaned and living in foster care when she’s invited on a family holiday with a distant aunt. Whisked away to crumbling manor house in France, she’s bullied by her cousins, Kitty and Fliss. Angela feels isolated and lonely in the spooky house until she discovers Julien who becomes her only friend. but Julien is in danger, and she has to keep him a secret. his life is at stake, and Angela is the only person who can save him. As Angela races against time to save her friend, she also has to cope with the nefarious plans of her aunt and cousins. This delightful, spookily dark story is ultimately an uplifting tale about the power of friendship. And it has a nice twist at the end too. Schwab’s use of eerie imagery pairs with the illustrations to produce the magical feel of a novel which has the potential to become a classic.

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Villages in Focus 51 51

bOGNOr rEGIS TIdE TAbLE July 2022, Time Zone GMT

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bOGNOr rEGIS TIdE TAbLE August 2022, Time Zone GMT

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INdEx OF AdVErTISErS Aerial installation Aerial & Satellite Connections 11

Electrical Contractor danny h

Bathrooms Coastline Everything bathrooms

Financial services Advice for later Life

Footcare Prescription Footwear

Funeral services darren Miles

56 15

Builders Allbrights roofing Solutions

9 5

Business networking Fun Friday Social

Car repairs / Maintenance NL Autos

Garage doors A W Garage doors

Caravan services T h Caravan Services

Garden services Gary Mortley Garden Concepts

33 45

hair and Beauty Emma Jade beauty

hardware & Calor Gas A & M barley West Sussex Colonics

27 25

interior designers TJ Interiors

Locks / security Lock Medic

Painting / decorating J r decorating The decorator Man

5 27

Pest Control TempPest

Plumbing & heating Alan’s Plumbing Priority heating & Gas

11 41

Care Centres & home Care hollymead house 24 Care services Angelcare

33, 45

Flooring The raven Flooring Co

Cleaning services Conway Cleaning Tom’s Exterior Cleaning

28 11

Curtains, Blinds & Fabrics hillarys Stock blinds

29 4

dental Care Felpham dental Surgery

38-39

double Glazing / Windows Andy Payne

Property Maintenance / diy Allbrights 9 EdS Property Services 13 Pro Tradesman 11 Pub / restaurant/Bar The Fox

recruitment West Sussex Council security GrN Locksmith The Lock Medic solicitors MJr

3 25 35 20-21

skin Care Skin beautiful

taxi Five Star Taxis

Waste Clearance Ace Waste

Watches & Clocks Arundel Clocks

All advertisements are printed in good faith, however Villages in Focus cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts or the services provided by the advertisers. Opinions and views expressed in articles are not necessarily held by In Focus Magazines. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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F R E S H LY P R E P A R E D HOME COOKED FOOD LOCAL PRODUCE G R E AT W I N E S & R E A L A L E S BEER GARDEN LARGE CAR PARK Waterloo Road | Felpham | Bognor Regis | PO22 7EH

For bookings call : 01243 829363 www.thefoxfelpham.com Mon–Sat : Midday–11pm (Food served all day until 8:30pm) Sun : Midday–10pm (Food served all day until 5pm)

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Do you want local independent businesses to thrive? We do too!

All businesses are welcome to come along and network! Come and meet your local business community, and as well as making valuable connections, enjoy the following business showcases:

Fri 24th June

Beer Tasting with local Langham Brewery

FFS! is a relaxed, friendly networking social for local businesses. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on local networking opportunities and events to help you grow your business.

Fri 29th July

Fantastic Foodies! (Local Speciality Food Businesses)

Fri 26th August

Summer Cocktails & Drinks on the terrace

Fri 23rd September

Free Legal Advice Clinic with MJR Solicitors - MJR will answer your questions on Lasting Power of Attorneys, Wills, Probate and Crime.

@ The Waverley, 5pm-7pm, & it’s FREE!

FFS_funfridaysocial FFSfunfridaysocial

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Villages In Focus July-August 2022